ARLINGTON, Va. - The Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) is inviting its members to Washington to participate in the third annual ARI Cool Connections Public Policy Symposium on March 8-9, 2006 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

The symposium is designed to strengthen members' understanding of the critical issues facing the HVACR industry while facilitating the development of personal relationships with their elected officials. The symposium is an opportunity to discuss issues of importance to the HVACR industry with key decision makers and will culminate with private meetings with lawmakers.

"The importance of this program cannot be overstated," said William G. Sutton, ARI president. "Our industry faces a variety of policy challenges, from the development of federal appeals programs to state 'producer responsibility' recycling legislation. Developing the ability to communicate with and exert political influence on elected officials is the most valuable and cost effective way to impact laws that affect our member's operations."

The symposium will begin on March 8 with a late afternoon briefing on the major issues impacting the HVACR industry, followed by an evening reception on Capitol Hill. On March 9 at breakfast, several members of Congress have been asked to speak to ARI members on energy and environmental policy. For the rest of the day, members will have private meetings with their congressional representatives.

Registration for the symposium is available on ARI's Web site at www.ari.org.

Publication date: 11/21/2005